Getting on with the job: Opal rolls into Strathfield and Central Coast

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the Opal electronic ticketing card will be able to be used at an additional 55 train stations, giving thousands more customers a cheaper, faster and more convenient journey.

From 31 January, Opal will be extended to train stations from Redfern to Strathfield, Strathfield to Hornsby, Chatswood to Wyong, and Epping to Chatswood.

“This is another major milestone for the Opal rollout and shows the NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering this important project that is modernising the way people use public transport,” said Mr O’Farrell at Strathfield Station where he was also joined by local MPs Charles Casuscelli and John Sidoti.

“The days of queuing for a train ticket will be a thing of the past for the thousands of customers at a total of 72 train stations that will have access to Opal by the end of this month. This is particularly great news for customers on the Central Coast and makes their daily commute easier,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“The NSW Government has now delivered 65 Waratah trains, major progress continues on projects such as the South West and North West Rail Links, and we have delivered an integrated timetable with 2,700 of extra services every week.”

Ms Berejiklian explained Opal is already accepted on all Sydney Ferries services, on two bus routes including the busy 333 Bondi bus, and at 17 train stations from the CBD north to Chatswood, in addition to the City Circle and stations to Bondi Junction.

“More than 45,000 Opal cards have already been registered, with more than 2 million trips already taken using the electronic ticketing system.

“With Opal we are offering cheaper fares across the train network, and once customers have received their free Opal card they will never have to line up to buy a ticket again. You just tap on at the start of your journey and tap off at the end.”

Regular customers also receive a weekly travel reward, so after eight paid journeys across any mode in a week all journeys after that are free for the rest of the week.

By the end of 2014, 40 ferry wharves, more than 300 train stations and more than 5,000 buses will be Opal accessible, with light rail due in 2015.